Effects of artificially induced fever on serum proteins, vitamin levels and hematological values in human subjects

¹ Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama (INCAP), and the Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Guatemala City, Guatemala

Ten male subjects in apparently good health were submitted to artificial hyperpyrexia of 2°–3°C above their initial orally determined body temperature for 2-hour periods. The pulse rate was markedly increased and the diastolic blood pressure was markedly decreased. Other major changes observed were a highly significant decrease of serum vitamin A levels and a highly significant increase of the white cell count, due primarily to an increase of the neutrophils. An eosinopenic effect observed was believed to be related to the stress of fever treatment. Minor changes were observed in the red cell count and in the serum gamma globulin fraction, which showed a delayed decrease. No changes were observed in carotene, vitamin E, alkaline phosphatase, riboflavin, or ascorbic acid.